The king of prospects weighs in on the Mets. There’s ample reason for optimism here, especially on the pitching side. It is important not to figure on any particular prospect, especially a pitcher. So it is less the impressive reports on Wheeler, Familia and Harvey, and more that all three… Read More →

For those who haven’t seen on Twitter: @ThePhillyPhans is reporting that David Wright is going to be with the Phillies “very, very soon”. Let me tell you what I know. I know little about that site. This isn’t to disparage it- I just can’t vouch in any way for the… Read More →

Good morning! I trust you’ve digested the pair of financial stories. Rich Sandomir does a tremendous job on A1 of the New York Times detailing the perks owners could receive for a minority ownership stake, from quality time with Mr. Met to access to luxury suites that would otherwise be… Read More →

At least, that’s the only reason I can see for them to pursue Luis Martinez, the catcher recently designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres. Martinez, 26, is right-handed, has no power whatsoever, and can hit for a decent average and control the strike zone, particularly against lefties. He’d… Read More →

As you’ve probably heard by now, I have a new book out. It’s called Wilpon’s Folly, and it tells the story of Fred Wilpon, Bernie Madoff, how the Mets arrived at this legal/financial point, and what to expect going forward. I spend many hours poring over documents, talking to principals… Read More →

Color me skeptical that anyone, Sandy Alderson included, can build a winning team in 2012 with the extremely limiting financial parameters currently facing the Mets. But if anyone can, it’s Alderson. He needs pitching depth, as previously discussed. And he needs to do it with minor league free agents. So… Read More →

Just confirmed from the Mets that the team did not place a bid in the sealed bidding process for Nippon Ham Fighters hurler Yu Darvish. Hey, it never hurts to ask. Darvish, who projects as a frontline starting pitcher, presumably exceeded the team’s remaining player budget, which is [THIS SPACE… Read More →

You know, unless Johan Santana can’t start the season, and then he’s your fourth starter. Or there’s another injury as well, always possible with pitchers, and then he’s your third starter. That’s the only reasonable conclusion out of Sandy Alderson’s comments yesterday, when he pointed out something obvious- Johan Santana,… Read More →

The Mets gave up some outfield depth and right-handed hitting at the catcher position by non-tendering Mike Baxter and Ronny Paulino. Baxter, a Queens native, had pop and could play the outfield corners. The move leaves the Mets in even greater need of backup plans for presumed starters Jason Bay,… Read More →

To get a sense of what not having much money does to a team’s ability to compete, take a look at what’s going on at catcher for the Mets. (Try as I might to just write a piece about player acquisition, I think it’s an incomplete job at best if… Read More →

The flurry of activity continues. Ken Davidoff of Newsday reports that the Mets have signed Frank Francisco to a two-year contract. Jon Morosi reports the deal is for $12 million over two years. That’s a lot, but Francisco should provide decent value for the money. Still, feels like a bit… Read More →

An interesting trade appears to be close for the Mets. New York would send Angel Pagan to the San Francisco Giants for outfielder Andres Torres and reliever Ramon Ramirez. The trade makes a ton of sense for the Mets. In Torres, they are getting a hitter just a year removed… Read More →

Multiple reports tonight have the Mets signing Jon Rauch, pending a physical. Rauch is an extremely tall relief pitcher, and on an inexpensive one-year deal, the Mets got the kind of price-per-inch steal that will make people jealous throughout the garment district. Rauch posted a 4.85 ERA in 2011, but… Read More →

So the bad news is, Jose Reyes is property of the Miami Marlins. The good news? The earth hasn’t crashed into the sun? No, the good news (or, more appropriately, the somewhat silver lining) is that Sandy Alderson is in a position he’s familiar with. He needs to build a… Read More →

Jose Reyes will make $3 million less per season than Carl Crawford, on a deal that lasts a year less, even though Reyes plays a more important defensive position and was a year younger at time of signing. So you tell me: did the Marlins overpay? Or did the Mets… Read More →